Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice is an extremely unique gaming experience! It has an incredible story, amazing graphics and the voice acting is superb. The atmosphere is intense with the voices in Senua's head and the darkness. Not having a HUD, not having a health bar, no stamina bar, not being able to heal yourself in any way, no upgrades, no items to manage all added to the realism, the tension, and the immersion in the game. I've never played a game that drew me in, made me feel the oppression, the desperation, and the agony of the main character like this game did. From Senua's facial expressions to her body language to the superb voice acting done by Melina Juergens, you feel what the character is feeling and it draws you in.
The voices really add realism to Senua's psychosis. They can be helpful and warn you "watch out!", "FOCUS", "behind you" or they can taunt you "she's going to die", "she's going the wrong way, she's lost". Senua's eyes are the most realistic I have ever seen in a game. Her eyes move in a way that makes her seem alive. Looking into them is like you're looking into her tortured soul.
Combat is pretty much dodge, parry, watch for the enemy to have his guard down, quick attack, dodge, wait then strong attack. There are several boss fights, which were easier than being attacked by multiples of the lesser enemies.
Each time Senua dies, a black "rot" grows up her arm and if reaches her brain, death is permanent. It adds to the intensity of the combat, making you more cautious, not rushing in and hack n slash. You have to have patience, watch your enemies movements and time your hits to cause damage.
Is Hellblade a perfect game? No, but almost. It could have been longer, could have had a little bit more variety, but it is an awesome gaming experience. It's a slightly flawed artistic masterpiece, with an incredible story, gorgeous graphics, and outstanding voice acting. Not perfection but close, 9.5/10
